Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

One guy suggested using 1/4" bar in the gaps, which seems a good idea and could look good. If you make a template out of plywood, you could drill 5/16" holes accurately between each baluster on the bottom rail.

Can't see what the top rail is made of (painted timber or ally?); could you drill right through it and then thread the bars down to the bottom holes? The holes in the capping could be covered with an additional decorative capping, or just filled and painted.
(Tricky to do on the stair sections, though).

There would be the cost of the bars, but a time saving in not taking the whole lot apart and starting again. - see sketch.

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

If you believe they have either interpreted the code incorrect, are enforcing it unfairly, or you have a situation that does not comply with the code you can go before the BOA and present your case.

Not sure how this could even come close, there is not a misunderstanding of code, it clearly reads "that a 4" sphere cannot pass through" a 4" sphere easily passes through so nobody is being "unfair" or "misinterpreting" anything. He did it wrong (total bummer) but that's the way it is.

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertcdf

Not sure how this could even come close, there is not a misunderstanding of code, it clearly reads "that a 4" sphere cannot pass through" a 4" sphere easily passes through so nobody is being "unfair" or "misinterpreting" anything. He did it wrong (total bummer) but that's the way it is.

And what does that 4" sphere represent?
An infants head?
1/4 " would not affect anyone!! How many cases have you heard of a kid getting his head stuck or falling "through" the spindle cause it was 1/4 " too wide?
Some codes are just ridiculous!

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime2

And what does that 4" sphere represent?
An infants head?
1/4 " would not affect anyone!! How many cases have you heard of a kid getting his head stuck or falling "through" the spindle cause it was 1/4 " too wide?
Some codes are just ridiculous!

It has to stop somewhere. If you give a 1/4, the next time it'll be 1/2. If it was 1 single baluster space he might have gotten away with it, however it's not. Every aluminum baluster manufacture I've ever seen has right on their box to check with local codes.

Don't like building codes? move somewhere that there are no building codes. It's real easy.

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertcdf

It has to stop somewhere. If you give a 1/4, the next time it'll be 1/2. If it was 1 single baluster space he might have gotten away with it, however it's not. Every aluminum baluster manufacture I've ever seen has right on their box to check with local codes.

Don't like building codes? move somewhere that there are no building codes. It's real easy.

Yea ,I get that codes are there for safety.
Some need to be updated.
Cutting this guy a break on an ancient code that is of by 1/4" will not hurt anyone! The guy down the street won't know it.
On the SLIGHT chance that someone gets hurt as a result of the extra 1/4" they won't be suing the county because the spacing is off.

You still didnt really answer the question.
What does the 4" sphere represent?
And when was that code written?

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime2

Yea ,I get that codes are there for safety.
Some need to be updated.
Cutting this guy a break on an ancient code that is of by 1/4" will not hurt anyone! The guy down the street won't know it.
On the SLIGHT chance that someone gets hurt as a result of the extra 1/4" they won't be suing the county because the spacing is off.

You still didnt really answer the question.
What does the 4" sphere represent?
And when was that code written?

The 4" sphere was decided because there must be something to base off of... When it was adopted? Depends upon the area, some of the counties I work in use 2009 codes, some 2006 codes even with those they also have their own listings where they have modified, removed, or added to the major books.

The "ancient" code you are referring to was actually a 6" sphere, as to when that was changed is anyones guess, it will all vary depending upon the area.

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by mae-ling

My understanding is the 4" sphere represents a crawling babies head? I think.

Your probably right,which is why I thing its ridiculous to apply that code to a deck in particular. As I've already stated,The odds of a baby getting its head caught are slim to none. There should be exemptions in the code for cases like this.
In the home,maybe.

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime2

Your probably right,which is why I thing its ridiculous to apply that code to a deck in particular. As I've already stated,The odds of a baby getting its head caught are slim to none. There should be exemptions in the code for cases like this.
In the home,maybe.

Not everyone keeps their children locked in their bedrooms 24/7.

So what do you think should happen if he sells the house and the next owners child injures themselves?

I know around here it's been 4" for at least 25 years, this is not a new code.

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

So what do you think should happen if he sells the house and the next owners child injures themselves?

I know around here it's been 4" for at least 25 years, this is not a new code.

Any parent that allows their infant ( that's what the code is based on,an infants head) onto a deck or to walk/craw down the deck stairs is being totally irresponsible,and deserves what they get.
Utterly laughable!

Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime2

Any parent that allows their infant ( that's what the code is based on,an infants head) onto a deck or to walk/craw down the deck stairs is being totally irresponsible,and deserves what they get.
Utterly laughable!